Cheeseboard in front of Spaceship Earth

© Copyright Disney

Walt Disney World Resort guests will join the 20-year celebration of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase from Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015, as they taste global and specialty cuisine, sip new beverages and eat to the beat of live entertainment.

20th annual Epcot Food and Wine signage welcomes guests to Epcot

© Copyright Disney

The 53-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will expand with new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages. ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the first time and will participate in two of the new Future World festival marketplaces: Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. For the first time in the festival's 20-year-history, global marketplace experiences, expand from the park's World Showcase into Future World. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine and drinks at the Sustainable Chew Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests sample small bites during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at the new Chew Lab Marketplace. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. Epcot is one of four theme parks located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine like the Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel at the Chew Lab Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine like the Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel at the Chew Lab Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine like at the Dominican Republic Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine and beverages such as the cider flight at the Farm Fresh Marketplace from more than 30 global marketplaces during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. For the first time in the festival's 20-year-history, global marketplace experiences, expand from the park's World Showcase into Future World. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine at the Farm Fresh Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests sample a wine-and-cheese pairing during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese area, featuring the Cheese Studio and Wine Studio marketplaces. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. Epcot is one of four theme parks located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine and beverages from more than 30 global marketplaces during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. For the first time in the festival's 20-year-history, global marketplace experiences, expand from the park's World Showcase into Future World. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine from more than 30 global marketplaces during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. For the first time in the festival's 20-year-history, global marketplace experiences, expand from the park's World Showcase into Future World. (David Roark, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine from more than 25 ethnic and specialty marketplaces during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Chloe Rice, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine from more than 25 ethnic and specialty marketplaces during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events.  (Chloe Rice, photographer) Disney's fall culinary extravaganza, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, offers delicious flavors from around the world, food-and-beverage-tasting seminars, the "Eat to the Beat" concert series and a host of themed dining events at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Epcot guests can enjoy the Roasted Verlasso Salmon and other tasty treats at the Patagonia Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)Ê Foodies can sample the popular Kalua Pork Slider and refreshing beverages from Hawaii and other international marketplaces at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Epcot guests can enjoy beers on tap and tasty treats at the Hops & Barley Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)Ê Epcot guests can enjoy the Crispy Pork Belly and other sizzling treats at the Brazil Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)Ê Epcot guests can enjoy the Crispy Pork Belly and other sizzling treats at the Brazil Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Epcot guests can enjoy sweet treats at the Desserts & Champagne Marketplace during the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Foodies can sample the popular Kalua Pork Slider and refreshing beverages from Hawaii and other international marketplaces at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Walt Disney World Resort's fall culinary extravaganza, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, offers thirst-quenching beverages from around the world at more than 25 festival marketplaces. Disney's beverage gurus present new wines and beers and create dozens of cocktails and mocktails each year including the Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Enjoy refreshing beverages at the Hawaii Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Adult beverage fans can enjoy a new Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail fizzing with sparkling wine and pomegranate liqueur at the France Marketplace along the World Showcase Promenade during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Epcot is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) A creamy Brown Elephant cocktail concocted of Amarula cream liqueur, milk and Coca Cola is new on the Africa Marketplace menu along the World Showcase Promenade during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Epcot is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine like the Loaded Mac n' Cheese with Nueske's Pepper Bacon at the Farm Fresh Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Apple Strudel returns to the Germany Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine from more than 25 ethnic and specialty marketplaces during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) The Kalua Pork Slider (not the liqueur Kahlua but the Kalua barbecue method of cooking) returns to the Hawaii Marketplace at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Walt Disney World Resort's fall culinary extravaganza, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, offers delicious flavors from around the world at more than 25 festival marketplaces along the World Showcase promenade.  Disney chefs create dozens of new dishes each year including Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri at the new Patagonia Marketplace. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Walt Disney World Resort's fall culinary extravaganza, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, offers delicious flavors from around the world at more than 25 festival marketplaces along the World Showcase promenade.  Disney chefs present popular dishes each year including the Roasted Pork Lettuce Wrap with Kimchi Slaw at the South Korea Marketplace. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion, and Snap Peas at the Australia Marketplace is one of the many delectable dishes from around the world during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can sample authentic dishes, such as Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney at the New Zealand Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) The New England Lobster Roll returns to the Hops & Barley Marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests can savor the sweet flavor of this authentic Caramel Flan with Rum-roasted Pineapple at the Dominican Republic marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The popular fall festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Disney) Pescado con Coco is a delicious Dominican Republic dish with seared grouper, pigeon peas, and rice with coconut sauce. Guests can enjoy this and many other tasty ethnic cuisines at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly "Eat to the Beat" concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Disney) Guests attending the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort join a daily beverage seminar at the Festival Center. Seminars offer guests an opportunity to meet a featured winery principal or beverage expert, learn tasting tips and sample select wines and other beverages. The festival takes place at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Guests attending the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort join a daily beverage seminar at the Festival Center. Seminars offer guests an opportunity to meet a featured winery principal or beverage expert, learn a handful of tips and sample select wines/beverages. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Disney guests can taste offerings from premier winemakers during tasting seminars at the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Todd Anderson, photographer) A cup of gourmet drinking chocolate is a sweet treat at The Chocolate Experience: From The Bean to the Bar Hosted by Ghirardelli in the Festival Center at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. (Kent Phillips, photographer) As Chef de Cuisine at Epcot, Michael Deardorff specializes in overseeing special events, quick service restaurants and outdoor food service. In addition, Michael has been involved in research and menu development for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, including food items to be offered at the festival's international marketplace kiosks.

As Chef de Cuisine at Epcot, Michael Deardorff specializes in overseeing special events, quick service restaurants and outdoor food service. In addition, Michael has been involved in research and menu development for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, including food items to be offered at the festival’s international marketplace kiosks. © Copyright Disney | Chloe Rice, photographer

Here are 20 fun facts about the 20th festival celebration.

  • Now 53 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
  • At the 2015 festival, a record 30 global marketplaces will include the new Sustainable Chew, Chew Lab and Artistry of Wine & Cheese marketplaces
  • Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show
  • The 20th festival will feature 32 new marketplace dishes and 75 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders
  • In 1998, 200 domestic and international wines were poured at the festival. This year, at marketplaces and premium events, more than 300 domestic and international wines will be offered
  • More than 60 wineries and more than 40 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
  • The 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 75 recipes from the global marketplaces that span the entire 20 years of the festival.
  • 3 Rockin’ Burger Block Parties and 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 193 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to Beverage Boot Camps and Festival Events in World Showcase pavilions
  • Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 250 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events
  • Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 6 countries and 26 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners
  • Nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and mixology seminars will take place during the 53-day festival
  • During the new Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille. Along the way, they’ll find 12 Remy statuettes hidden in each of 11 countries of the World Showcase and at the African Outpost location. Guests can redeem the 12 stickers they’ve collected for one of 6 special pins at Port of Entry
  • 159 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 4 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues
  • The Marketplace Discovery Passport was introduced in 2010 for the 15th annual festival; today, the free passport will feature pages with all 30 festival marketplaces that guests can have stamped during their dine-around-the-world culinary adventure
  • More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular
  • Chase is the festival’s presenting sponsor for the 4th year; its Chase Lounge at American Adventure Parlor features guest amenities that include complimentary beverages and comfy furniture where guests can chill out and recharge
  • The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, back for a fourth year, is filled with 900 pounds of the tart red fruit and is accessible to cast members who wear waterproof waders
  • 100,000-plus desserts, including the Chocolate Cherry Explosion and Strawberry Basil Champagne “Toast” at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace, are expected to be served
  • In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganzain 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring up to 50 food and beverage stations and breathtaking entertainment by Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” performers
  • At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels. Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20th-year festival story